WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE?

Symptoms of High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia)

High blood glucose levels can develop gradually, and symptoms may vary depending on the severity and duration.

Common Symptoms

1. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): Persistent thirst despite drinking plenty of fluids.
2. Frequent Urination (Polyuria): The need to urinate often, especially at night.
3. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy effectively.
4. Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can cause fluid shifts, affecting the eyes' lenses.
5. Dry Mouth and Skin: Dehydration from frequent urination may lead to dryness.
6. Hunger (Polyphagia): Increased appetite despite high blood sugar levels.
7. Slow Healing Wounds: Cuts, sores, or infections take longer to heal.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss: Common in type 1 diabetes, where the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy.
9. Recurrent Infections: Yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections may occur more frequently.
10. Headaches and Difficulty Concentrating: Fluctuating blood sugar can affect cognitive function.

Consequences of Prolonged High Blood Glucose

If high blood glucose persists untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

Short-Term Complications

1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):
• Most common in type 1 diabetes.
• Results from the body breaking down fat for energy, producing ketones that can build up to dangerous levels.
• Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and confusion.
2. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS):
• More common in type 2 diabetes.
• Characterized by severe dehydration and extremely high blood glucose levels without significant ketone production.
• Can lead to coma if untreated.

Long-Term Complications

1. Cardiovascular Diseases:
• Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
2. Kidney Damage (Nephropathy):
• Persistent high blood sugar damages the kidneys' filtering units, potentially leading to kidney failure.
3. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
• Tingling, numbness, or pain, especially in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy).
• Autonomic neuropathy can affect digestion, bladder control, and heart rate.
4. Eye Damage (Retinopathy):
• Damage to blood vessels in the retina can lead to vision loss or blindness.
5. Foot Problems:
• Poor circulation and nerve damage increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections, which may lead to amputation.
6. Gum Disease:
• High blood sugar supports bacterial growth, leading to gum infections and tooth loss.
7. Weakened Immune System:
• Higher susceptibility to infections and slower recovery times.
8. Cognitive Decline:
• Prolonged hyperglycemia may contribute to memory issues and increase the risk of dementia.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Blood glucose consistently above target ranges (e.g., fasting blood glucose >130 mg/dL or post-meal >180 mg/dL).
• Symptoms like confusion, rapid breathing, or severe dehydration (emergency signs of DKA or HHS).
• Persistent symptoms of hyperglycemia despite lifestyle changes or medications.

Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, medication, and regular monitoring is crucial to preventing these symptoms and complications.